Published on
October 10, 2025
The national airline of Turkey, Turkish Airlines is reported to be in the process of applying to the Israeli government to resume flights to the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. which lies 40Km north of the capital. The. Should the request be approved, Turkish Airlines will become the first airline to resume flights from Turkey to Israel, completing the two-year break which commenced in October 2023 with the start of the ‘Swords of Iron’ war. The Turkish flag is expected to fly over Israel sooner than other national carriers of Turkey, with Turkish Airlines being pushed to the forefront of the aviation diplomacy campaign by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan himself. Diplomatic, economic, and tourism ties will be taken to a new level and positively impacted by the approval of this request.
Background on the Suspension and Diplomatic Tensions
The relationship between Turkey and Israel has experienced several ups and downs in recent years, with diplomatic tensions affecting various sectors, including aviation. Prior to the suspension, Turkish Airlines operated up to 16 flights per day between Istanbul and Tel Aviv, making it one of the busiest international routes for the airline. The suspension of these flights in October 2023, following the escalation of the conflict in Gaza, left a significant void in air travel between the two countries. With Turkey’s support for Palestinian causes often clashing with Israel’s policies, political tensions have periodically disrupted travel and diplomatic exchanges.
The suspension of flights came as a direct response to the deteriorating security situation and the complex geopolitical environment surrounding the ongoing conflict. However, it also impacted the tourism sector, with Israeli travelers losing a crucial connection to Istanbul and other European destinations served by Turkish Airlines. Similarly, Turkey’s tourism sector saw a dip due to the loss of Israeli visitors, who had traditionally been a key source of tourism revenue.
Revitalizing Regional Air Travel and Tourism
The potential resumption of Turkish Airlines’ flights to Tel Aviv is seen as a positive development for both countries’ tourism industries. Israel has long been a popular destination for Turkish travelers, with flights to Tel Aviv providing easy access to the city’s cultural and historical landmarks. Conversely, Istanbul is a major transit hub for tourists traveling between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Turkish Airlines’ flights have historically made it easier for Israeli tourists to visit Turkey’s major cities, including Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Antalya, as well as access flights to other global destinations.
The resumption of flights would provide a crucial boost to tourism in both Turkey and Israel, especially as the global tourism industry continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing geopolitical challenges. With both countries’ tourism industries deeply reliant on international visitors, the renewed air connection would create new opportunities for collaboration in hospitality, travel, and cultural exchange.
Additionally, the direct flights would provide a more convenient option for business travelers. Tel Aviv is a thriving business hub in the Middle East, and Istanbul serves as a critical point for international trade, finance, and communications. The restoration of Turkish Airlines’ service would provide enhanced connectivity for business professionals, making it easier to attend meetings, conferences, and corporate events across the two countries.
The Importance of Air Connectivity for Diplomatic Relations
The potential return of Turkish Airlines to Israel is also a significant step in the broader diplomatic context. Turkey and Israel have historically had a complex relationship, with both cooperation and friction in areas such as security, trade, and regional politics. Air connectivity plays a key role in strengthening diplomatic relations, as it facilitates direct communication and collaboration between nations, while also promoting people-to-people exchanges.
By resuming flights, Turkey and Israel could send a strong signal of goodwill, offering an opportunity to rebuild trust and engage in further dialogue. Given the critical role that aviation plays in modern diplomacy, the resumption of Turkish Airlines flights could serve as a stepping stone for broader cooperation in various fields, including trade, tourism, and security.
In addition, Turkish Airlines is seen as a key diplomatic tool for Turkey, serving as a global ambassador for the country’s culture, people, and policies. By reintroducing flights to Israel, Turkey would reaffirm its commitment to maintaining its status as a central player in global aviation and diplomatic affairs.
Economic Impact on Both Nations
The resumption of Turkish Airlines flights between Istanbul and Tel Aviv would have significant economic benefits for both Turkey and Israel. For Turkey, the return of flights would drive more tourists to its cities and support its hospitality and service industries. This is especially critical as the Turkish economy seeks to recover from the pandemic’s toll, and the tourism sector remains one of the country’s largest sources of foreign exchange.
In Israel, the increase in flight availability would provide a much-needed boost to its tourism and hospitality sectors. As Israel is a major destination for both leisure and religious tourism, the return of Turkish Airlines would strengthen the flow of international travelers to the country. Moreover, for Israeli businesses, the direct flights would open up greater access to the growing Turkish market, facilitating trade and commercial partnerships.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Israel and Turkey?
As Turkish Airlines moves toward reintroducing flights to Israel, both governments and the airline itself must address various logistical and political considerations. Securing approval from the Israeli authorities and ensuring that the security situation is stable enough for resumed air travel will be essential steps in the process. Additionally, both sides will likely engage in negotiations to ensure that the resumption of flights aligns with broader diplomatic and economic goals.
The potential return of Turkish Airlines flights to Tel Aviv represents not just a boon for the travel industry, but also a symbol of reconciliation and renewal between Turkey and Israel. As the airline prepares to re-enter the Israeli market, the broader implications for regional air connectivity, tourism, and business will be closely watched by travelers, investors, and policymakers alike.
Conclusion
The return of Turkish Airlines to Israel is a significant milestone for both aviation and tourism in the region. The new flights which would enhance connectivity between the two nations will also reinforce bonds and stimulate economic and cultural relationships. Direct flights will serve valuable purposes for travelers, business professionals, and tourism operators as they will enable greater access to one of the most dynamic and vibrant regions of the Middle East.
